Hyderabad : Doctors’ Day is celebrated annually on 1st July to commemorate the life of Dr. B.C. Roy, Bharat Ratna awardee, legendary physician, philanthropist, educationist and one of the longest serving Chief Ministers of India. Throughout his life, Dr B.C. Roy worked tirelessly to improve the healthcare infrastructure of Bharat. This day stands as a tribute not only to Dr Roy but also to all the doctors who continue to walk in his illustrious footsteps, transforming lives and saving countless souls with their expertise.
Precisely, 33 years ago (1991), I graduated to become a doctor – the very year when India commenced celebrating Doctors Day! As a recipient of Dr. B.C. Roy National award (2017), which is the highest recognition that can be achieved by a doctor practicing in India, this day is even more special to me.
This is a significant day to acknowledge extraordinary commitment and relentless dedication of the medical fraternity. There is an ancient Sanskrit phrase “Vaidyo Narayano Hari” which means doctor is Lord Narayana and Lord Hari himself. In some regions, particularly in rural India, the doctor is equated with ‘god’. Patients trust and place their lives in the hands of their doctor. On many occasions, they disclose confidential information, which may not be in purview of even a close family member. Furthermore, they expose their body for examination and allow themselves to be operated upon by a complete stranger. In no other profession, one gets to experience this level of utmost trust and extraordinary faith, on a daily basis. It is this TRUST, in capital letters that the medical fraternity must value & safeguard, always.
Also, it is for this very reason that a doctor is duty bound to have a higher level of moral code of conduct and must understand that he/she is in a very privileged position. Sadly, over the years, due to various reasons, there has been a rapid decline in the mutual trust between doctor & patient. It is imperative for both patients and doctors to work together at re-establishing some of the lost trust, and truly, there could be no better day than Doctors’ Day to reinforce this unique relationship.
Clinical competence and effective communication are essential skills for every doctor. In this day and age, when doctor-patient relationship is undergoing severe strain, communication skills become all the more important. Right from the time the patient enters the Doctor’s consulting room through seeking informed consent, Pre/Post operative ward rounds, breaking bad news… to addressing the media, communication skills need to be at its best all the way through.
Although Ethics & Communication Skills have an established place in Medical Curriculum throughout the Western World, it was not part of Indian Medical Curriculum until recently. However, in 2019, National Medical Commission included Medical Ethics in the new Competency Based Medical Education curriculum (CBME). “Attitude, Ethics and Communication” (AETCOM) module aims to inculcate the knowledge, attitudes and values that are essential for a Doctor.
